I woke up the next morning with a clearer mind than I had in many days. The tears from yesterday had finally stopped. What remained was a cold, steady anger that sat heavy inside my chest. I could not keep crying. Crying would not save me. Only careful, quiet action could.
I picked up my phone from the nightstand and called Lisa. She answered on the first ring.
“Clara? Is everything okay?” she asked, concern clear in her voice.
“I need you to come over,” I said quietly. “I have something important to show you. I cannot explain it over the phone.”
Lisa did not hesitate. “I’m on my way. I’ll be there in less than an hour.”
When she arrived, I met her at the front door and pulled her straight into a tight hug. I held her for a long moment. I had not realized how much I needed someone who
